Domino game with angled and/or curved tile pieces

ABSTRACT

A piece for a domino game having a first connecting end and a second connecting end designed to assemble with the connecting ends of other similar pieces, the first connecting end and the second connecting end being at a positive angle α from one another, a marking face divided in two parts, and an external face linking the external edges of connecting ends. The geometrical shape of the piece is such that, whenever several pieces are assembled one after the other so that the first connecting end of a piece assembles with the second connecting end of another piece, and so on until the free connecting ends are at an angle α′ which value is superior or equal to that of angle α, and inferior to twice the value of angle α, it is possible to assemble, in a direction opposite to the others, two other pieces with their connecting ends linked to free connecting ends without having these two aforementioned other pieces overlap. Therefore, when using the inventive pieces, a player will face, during a game, and before the game is closed, or the number required is exhausted, twice less probability to place the right domino in order to continue assembling the pieces.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of French Utility Patent Application No. 06 02868, filed 31 Mar. 2006; French Design Registration No. 06 1511, filed 27 Mar. 2006; OHIM Design Registration No. 000509013-0001, filed 30 May 2006; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/246,272, filed 28 Mar. 2006; and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/257,646, filed 5 Apr. 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a dominoes tiles, and more particularly to a domino game using angled or curved tile pieces designed which are played in combination with other similarly curved pieces in a game similar to the traditional domino game.

2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§1.97, 1.98

Generally speaking, the game of dominoes is composed of a number of domino pieces each in the shape of a rectangle parallelepiped with a short height, like a plate. The domino piece has a blank face and a marked face which are united by four sides. The marked face is divided in two parts on which appear dots. The number of dots appearing on each part of the domino face ranges from 0 to 6. Generally speaking, this domino game includes 28 of these pieces. Players assemble them, according to standard rules, by connecting 2 pieces having a matching number of dots on one of the parts of the marked face by their smallest sides.

The original game has known improvements and/or changes to improve the interest and fun of the game.

For instance, the game called “Triminos” as described in the French patent FR-A-2 541127, presents dominoes with 3 sides called Triminos, which are intended to form hexagonal figures.

Another domino type game, described in the French Patent FR-A-2 686 523, presents dominos that are equilateral trigones. These pieces are intended to be connected together in a frame having a particular geometrical shape such as a diamond, a star, a triangle or a hexagon. This version adds to the traditional domino game the appeal of a puzzle game.

These latter games increase the possibilities of placing a domino due to a larger number of dotted parts on a domino allowing to connect to another. Playing is therefore made easier whenever the standard rules of domino apply.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The goal of the present invention is to provide a domino type game with a more tactical side, allowing, for instance, to block the opponent during a game. The invention therefore provides a piece for a domino game which presents two separate connecting ends designed to assemble with the connecting ends of other similar pieces, the first and the second connecting ends being at a positive angle (α) from one another, with a marked face divided in two parts and an external face which links the external edges of both connecting ends.

The geometrical shape of these pieces shows however a disadvantage. Indeed, whenever several pieces are assembled together so that one connecting end of a piece assembles with the connecting end of another piece, and so until the free connecting ends are at an angle (α′) which value is superior or equal to that of angle (α), and inferior to twice the value of angle (α), then, if it happens during the game that two pieces be assembled with the free connecting ends in a direction opposite to the others, these two pieces might overlap.

To that effect, the purpose of this invention is to propose a domino type piece as previously described, which geometrical shape could allow it to be assembled with two other pieces on their connecting ends, without them overlapping when placed in such manner as formerly described.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the geometrical shape of the piece, both in its playing form and projected in a plan, is that of an isosceles triangle.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the inside face of the piece links the inside extremities of the connecting ends.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the geometrical shape of the piece, both in its playing form and projected in a plan, is that of a piece of crown.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that any positive angle within a suitable range will provide the desirable playing features of the novel game employing the inventive pieces, including approximately 40 degrees to 160 degrees, though ranges of 40.1-50.0 degrees, 50.1-60.0 degrees, 60.1-70.0 degrees, 70.1-80.0 degrees, 80.1-90.0 degrees, 91.1-100.0 degrees, 100.1-110.0 degrees, 110.1-120.1 degrees, 120.1-130.0 degrees, 130.1-140.0 degrees, 140.1-150.0 degrees, and 150.1-160.0 degrees would all suffice.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that, if a radius (R_(int)) delimits the internal face of the piece, if a radius (R_(ext)) delimits the external face, if the first and the second connecting ends are at an angle (α), if |X| is the integer of X, the following formula applies in the geometrical definition of the domino piece in this invention:

R _(ext) ≦R _(int)×sin(T−α/2×([2π/α]−1))

1−sin(π−α/2×([2π/α]−1))

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the external face of the piece is composed of three sides of same length, comprising two lateral sides linked by an intermediate side.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the external face of the piece is composed of three sides, comprising two lateral sides linked by an intermediate side, one lateral side being perpendicular and close to the first connecting end, and the other lateral side being perpendicular and close to the second connecting end.

As an advantage, both lateral sides are rounded or plane.

As an advantage, the intermediate side is rounded or plane.

As an advantage, the external face of the piece is composed of a succession of identical profiles.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the geometrical shape of the internal face is defined by a radius.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the external face and the internal face are respectively composed of flat sides, parallel to each other, the geometrical shape of the piece, both in its playing form and projected in a plan, being that of a isosceles trapezium.

Another aspect of the invention reveals that the value of angle (α) equals to one of the following remarkable values:

π/3; 2π/5; π/2; and 2π/3.

A game composed of a set of pieces such as formerly described is also proposed. According to the invention, each piece presents a marked face divided in two parts, a same mark appearing as many times on the first marked part as on the second marked part.

A computer program saved on a data support is also proposed. According to the invention, this program contains instructions allowing the manipulation of representations of the pieces according to any of the former statements when loaded and run by a computer.

The foregoing summary broadly sets out the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

Accordingly, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive apparatus described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology employed herein are for descriptive purposes only, and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the appended claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Rather, the fundamental aspects of the invention, along with the various features and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned characteristics of the invention, as well as others, will appear more clearly in light of the following description of an example of an execution, this description being accompanied by the drawings herewith, among which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view from the top of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a is a top plan view showing a plurality of domino type pieces such as shown in FIG. 1 being assembled according to the invention;

FIG. 2 b is a top plan view showing a plurality of domino type pieces such as shown in FIG. 1 assembled according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a first variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing a plurality of domino type pieces such as shown in FIG. 3 assembled according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing a second variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing a plurality of domino type pieces such as shown in FIG. 5 assembled according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing a third variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing a fourth variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing a fifth variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing a sixth variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing a seventh variant version of a domino type piece according to the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing a set of twenty-eight domino type pieces composing a domino game according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The angled and/or curved domino type tile pieces (O) shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are especially designed to be used in the domino game.

The domino type piece (O¹) shown in FIG. 1 presents, both projected in a plan and in its playing position, the geometrical shape of a portion of a crown, and more precisely the shape of a quarter of a crown in the FIG. 1. Piece (O¹) has therefore an internal face (I) defined by an internal radius (R_(int)), an external face (E) defined by an external radius (R_(ext)), a marked face (C), a first connecting end (A) and a second connecting end (B). The first end (A) and the second end (B) are at an angle (α) from one another, which center is (F). A line (T) divides the marked face (C) of piece (O¹) in two symmetrical sides (C1) and (C2), passing preferably through the center (F). Let us say that the first side (C1) is called the left side, and the second side (C2) is called the right side, as seen from the center (F) of angle (α).

Each side (C1) or (C2) is marked with dots. Other marks such as distinctive signs like animals, colors, figures, symbols or drawings might replace the dots.

The following equation is confirmed in the geometrical shape of piece (O¹) of the invention:

$R_{ext} \leq \frac{R_{int} \times {\sin \left( {\pi - {{\alpha/2} \times \left( {\left\lbrack {2{\pi/\alpha}} \right\rbrack - 1} \right)}} \right)}}{1 - {\sin \left( {\pi - {{\alpha/2} \times \left\lbrack {\left( {2{\pi/\alpha}} \right\rbrack - 1} \right)}} \right)}}$

When angle (α) is of the following distinctive values: π/3; 2π/5; π/2; and 2π/3, the following equation is confirmed in the geometrical shape of piece (O¹) of the invention:

${Rext} \leq {{Rint}*\frac{\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}{1 - {\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}}}$

Five pieces (O₁, O₂, O₃, O₄ and O₅) are assembled in FIG. 2 a. Pieces (O₂) (O₃) and (O₄) touch each other on their connecting ends (A, B) in such a manner that they all have the same center (F). The free connecting ends (A) of pieces (O₂, O₃, and O₄) are at an angle (α′) which value is superior or equal to that of angle (α) and is inferior to twice the value of angle (α). In this FIG. 2A, the value of angle (α) equals: π/2. The value of angle (α′) is equal to that of angle (α).

In FIG. 2 b, the connecting ends (A) of pieces (O₁) and (O₂) are touching and the connecting ends (B) of pieces (O₄) and (O₅) also touch. The external faces (E) of pieces (O₁) and (O₅) are tangent at a point (P). The equation reads as follows:

$R_{ext} \leq {R_{int}*\frac{\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}{1 - {\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}}}$

Piece (O²) shown in FIG. 3 is of the geometrical shape of a third of a crown when projected in a plan. Here, the value of angle (α) is: 2π/3.

Four pieces (O₁, O₂, O₃ and O₄) are assembled in FIG. 4. Pieces (O₂) and (O₃) touch each other on their connecting ends (A, B) in such a manner that they have the same center (F). The connecting ends (A) of pieces (O₁) and (O₂) are touching and the connecting ends (B) of pieces (O₃) and (O₄) also touch. The external faces (E) of pieces (O₁), (O₄) are tangent at a point (P). The equation still reads as follows:

$R_{ext} \leq {R_{int}*\frac{\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}{1 - {\sin \left( {\alpha/2} \right)}}}$

The exterior face (E) of piece (O³) shown in FIG. 5 is made of three sides of a regular dodecagon. Here, the value of angle (α) is: π/2.

Five pieces (O₁, O₂, O₃, O₄ and O₅) are assembled in FIG. 6. Pieces (O2), (O₃) and (O₄) touch each other on their connecting ends (A, B) in such a manner that they all have the same center (F). The connecting ends (A) of pieces (O₁) and (O₂) are touching and the connecting ends (B) of pieces (O4) and (O5) also touch. The central sides (E2) of the external faces (E) of pieces (O1), (O5) are tangent to each other.

The exterior face (E) of piece (O⁴) shown in FIG. 7 is made of three sides (E1), (E2), (E3), comprising two lateral sides (E1) and (E3) linked by an intermediate side (E2). Side (E1) is perpendicular and close to connecting end (A) and side (E3) is perpendicular and close to connecting end (B). Here, the value of angle (α) is: π/2.

On FIG. 8, the lateral sides (E1) and (E3) of piece (O⁵) have rounded faces. The intermediate side (E2) has a plane face. Here, the value of angle (α) is: π/2.

The exterior face (E) of piece (O⁶) shown in FIG. 9 is made of a succession of identical profiles (E_(n)) which geometrical shape is here a portion of a circle. Here the value of angle (α) is: π/2. The geometrical shape (E_(n)) of these profiles is included inside the external radius (R_(ext)) tangent to the external face (E).

The exterior face (E) and the interior face (I) of piece (O⁷) shown in FIG. 10 are respectively made of sides (E′) and (I′) which form planes and are parallel to each other. The geometrical shape of this piece (O⁷), both in its playing form and projected in a plan, is that of an isosceles triangle. Here, the value of angle (α) is also: π/2.

The exterior face (E) of piece (O⁸) shown in FIG. 11 is made of a side (E′) forming a plane. This piece does not have any interior face. The geometrical shape of piece (O⁸), both in its playing form and projected in a plan, is that of an isosceles triangle. Here, the value of angle (α) is still: π/2.

The game presented in FIG. 12 counts twenty-eight pieces (O). The same mark appears as many times on marked parts (C1) as on marked parts (C2) of the pieces of the game, in order to make it more difficult to play.

One variation of the invention, not introduced herewith, shows a game with a number of (O) pieces of N. This N number equals to ½n(n+1). In this formula, N is equal to the number of different signs appearing on marked parts (C1) or (C2). This number ranges from 5 to 13. In the case of n being equal to 5, the game then includes 15 pieces, which corresponds to a domino game reaching a double four. If n equals 13, the game thus includes 91 pieces, which corresponds to a domino game reaching a double twelve.

The angles between the faces of the (O) pieces previously described are rounded to allow a better grip on these pieces.

The value of the angle (α) of the pieces (O) shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 can also be picked from one of the following remarkable values:

π/3 (60°); 2π/5 (72°); π/2 (90°); and 2π/3 (120°).

Alternatively, the angle (α) can be any positive angle between 40 and 160 degrees, inclusive, and is most preferably an angle in the ranges between 110 to 120, or 120.1 to 130, or 130.1 to 140. It follows that other suitable ranges include 40.1-50.0 degrees, 50.1-60.0 degrees, 60.1-70.0 degrees, 70.1-80.0 degrees, 80.1-90.0 degrees, 91.1-100.0 degrees, 100.1-110.0 degrees, 110.1-120.1 degrees, 120.1-130.0 degrees, 130.1-140.0 degrees, 140.1-150.0 degrees, and 150.1-160.0 degrees.

Therefore a player using the pieces (O) as just described will face, during a game and before the game is closed or the number required is exhausted, twice less probability to place the right domino in order to continue assembling (O) pieces.

The object described herewith is a physical object. This object could appear in the form of a virtual image created by a software, this virtual image reproducing all the characteristics present in the physical object, the invention's object. The physical object's faces and sides become, in the virtual image, the outline of the latter.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

1. A plurality of tile pieces for a domino game, each of said pieces comprising: a first connecting end and a second connecting end for use in assembling a piece with the connecting ends of other similar pieces, said first connecting end and said second connecting end being at a positive angle (α) from one another; and a marked face divided in two sides and an external face which links the external edges of said first and second connecting ends; wherein the geometrical shape of said pieces projected in a plan is such that when several pieces are assembled together so that said first connecting end of a piece adjoins said second connecting end of another piece, and thus until said one of said first or second connecting ends are free and form an angle (α′) having a value superior or equal to that of the angle (α) and inferior to twice the value of angle (a), one could place, in the opposite direction of the other pieces, two new pieces by their connecting ends on the free connecting ends without having the above mentioned two new pieces overlap.
 2. The tile pieces of claim 1, wherein the geometrical shape of each of said pieces when projected in a plan is that of an isosceles triangle.
 3. The tile pieces of claim 1, wherein said first connecting ends and said second connecting ends each having internal edges and wherein said piece further includes an internal face linking said internal edges of said first and second connecting ends.
 4. The tile pieces of claim 3, wherein the geometrical shape of each of said pieces when projected in a plan is includes part of a crown.
 5. The tile pieces of claim 4, wherein said internal faces have a radius R_(int), and said external faces have a radius R_(ext), and if J is the angle formed by said first connecting end and said second connecting end of each of said pieces, and if |X| is the integer of X, the following equation applies: $R_{ext} \leq \frac{R_{int} \times {\sin \left( {\pi - {{\alpha/2} \times \left( {\left\lbrack {2{\pi/\alpha}} \right\rbrack - 1} \right)}} \right)}}{1 - {\sin \left( {\pi - {{\alpha/2} \times \left( {\left\lbrack {2{\pi/\alpha}} \right\rbrack - 1} \right)}} \right)}}$
 6. The tile pieces of claim 3, wherein said exterior faces are made of three sides of the same length comprising two lateral sides and linked by an intermediate side.
 7. The tile pieces of claim 3, wherein said exterior faces are made of three sides comprising two lateral sides linked by an intermediate side, and wherein one of said lateral sides is perpendicular and close to said first connecting end, and another of said lateral sides is perpendicular and close to said second connecting end.
 8. The tile pieces according to any of claims 6 or 7, wherein each of said lateral sides perpendicular and close to said first connecting end and each of said lateral sides perpendicular and close to said second connection end are rounded or plane.
 9. The tile pieces according to any of claims 6, 7, or 8, wherein said intermediate sides are rounded or plane.
 10. The tile pieces of claim 3, wherein said exterior faces are each composed of a succession of identical profiles.
 11. The tile pieces cording to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the geometrical shape of said internal faces when projected in a plan is defined by a radius (Rint).
 12. The tile pieces of claim 3, wherein said exterior face and said internal face are respectively composed of plane sides, parallel to each other, and wherein the geometrical shape of said pieces projected in a plan is that of an isosceles trapezium.
 13. The tile pieces according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the value of angle (α) equals any of the following remarkable values: π/3; 2π/5; π/2; and 2π/3.
 14. The tile pieces according to claim 1, wherein the value of angle (α) is between 40 and 160 degrees, inclusive.
 15. The tile pieces according to claim 14, wherein the value of angle (α) is between 110 to 140 degrees, inclusive.
 16. A game having a set of N number of pieces according to any of claims 1-13, inclusive, wherein each of said pieces has a marking face divided in first and second marked parts, and wherein a same mark appears as many times on each of said first marked parts as on said second marked parts.
 17. A computer program saved on data support and having instructions allowing the representation of a set of N number of game pieces to be manipulated according to any of claims 1-14, inclusive, when loaded and run by a computer. 